93 new flood defences planned

Almost 100 new flood defences were given the green light today in a move the Government says will better protect more than 64,000 homes from flooding. A total of 93 defences have been given the go-ahead to begin construction this year.

Incompetent Government ministers have sat on their hands for the past two years and failed to get an agreement with the insurance industry, which means 200,000 homeowners will face difficulties getting flood insurance when Labour's deal with the insurance industry runs out in June.

Any new deal on flood insurance would require primary legislation so ministers need to end the brinkmanship and get a deal to give certainty to homeowners and businesses at risk of flooding.

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The Association of British Insurers is calling for sustained, long-term flood defence spending that keeps pace with the threat of flooding.

At a flood summit today, Nick Starling, ABI director of general insurance is expected to say:

Insurers know the traumatic and devastating impact of flooding, through helping their customers recover after a flood.

Political commitment in the key areas of investment in flood defences, sensible planning decisions and working in partnership with the insurance industry will ensure that flood risk communities get the protection and reassurance they need

Politicians must ensure there is a rigorous planning system to prevent building in flood plains as well as sufficient spending on flood defences, insurers urged today.

Flood defences in place in Bewdley, Worcestershire.

Government support is also needed to ensure that flood insurance remains widely available and affordable, the Association of British Insurers will warn at a Labour Party flood summit.

Floodwater is cleared from a house in in Croston, Lancashire, after the river Yarrow burst its banks. Credit: Martin Rickett/PA Wire

A deal between Government and insurers to ensure people in high-risk areas continue to be insured against flooding expires in June, and Labour has warned that 200,000 homeowners will face difficulties getting insurance once it ends.

Labour is urging the Government to end its "brinkmanship" in negotiations with the insurance industry and secure a new deal to provide certainty for at-risk households and businesses.